For Immediate Release:
March 15, 2022
Media Contact:
Laura Giordano
Cell: 774-214-6410
lgiordano@melwoodglobal.com
PRESS STATEMENT:
Statement from Health Care For All’s Executive Director Amy Rosenthal Regarding Governor Baker’s Health Care Reform Bill
BOSTON – Statement from Health Care For All’s Executive Director Amy Rosenthal regarding the health care reform legislation announced by Governor Baker this afternoon:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to make health care premiums more affordable, address behavioral health care and bring down high prescription drug prices. People are struggling. They are making difficult choices to access and afford the treatments they need. We can no longer wait to take action. The health care legislation introduced today by the Governor takes important steps to remove barriers to care for Massachusetts residents.
“Among the highlights in the Governor’s bill that would help people are initiatives to reduce prescription drug prices, increase behavioral health care services, and enhance the rate review process to slow the rapid increase in premiums for families and small businesses.
“We are encouraged to see the Administration prioritize critical investments in primary care and behavioral health services. We have long known that promoting overall health must include behavioral health care and, too often, we hear from people on our HelpLine who struggle to find a primary care physician or mental health provider who takes their insurance. Access to these vital services could help them stay healthy and avoid higher-cost treatments such as hospitalizations.
“The Governor’s prescription drug proposal would bring pharmaceutical companies in line with the cost-containment measures for hospitals and insurers. We need to rein in rising prescription drug prices so that individuals and families can afford their treatments and are not forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for their medications.
“We thank Governor Baker and Secretary Sudders for their leadership, and we look forward to working with them and the Legislature to advance these proposals before the end of the session.”
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